Reflecting Pond is closed at UCF for $1M in repairs
The Reflecting Pond at University of Central Florida, a campus landmark and favorite spot for graduation photos, is closed until the spring, facing an estimated $1 million in repairs.
The problems at the pond, in the southwest part of the campus between Millican Hall and the library, started about six months ago. The pipes leading to the fountain’s pumps and filtration system have sprung three leaks that needed repairs.
Then, after Hurricane Irma hit in September, water flooded the electrical control areas beneath the pond. That was the final straw, said Mark Schlueb, a spokesman for the university.
The repair will include replacing the pond’s concrete floor and stabilizing the soil beneath, though there’s no evidence of a sinkhole in that area.
The pond, the shape of a half circle, is 182 feet by 20 feet at its widest point and holds 228,000 gallons of water.
The pond was drained Oct. 14, the day after Spirit Splash, a homecoming tradition where students rush into the pond and try to grab rubber ducks. Demolition on the pond’s floor will likely begin later this week or next, Schlueb said.
The Reflecting Pond was once the site of a natural body of water that would turn into a muddy pit after heavy rains. Charles Millican, the university’s first president, turned the eyesore into one of most recognizable parts of the campus.
The pond was completed in 1970, about the same time neighboring Millican Hall opened. Early on, the water was drained and replaced with chairs for graduation ceremonies. President Richard Nixon delivered a commencement address there in 1973.
Past renovations included replacing the pond’s single small spout with three fountains in 2000. This time, students likely won’t notice many changes, except for installation of LED lights that will change colors, similar to the fountain at Lake Eola Park in downtown Orlando.
On a recent afternoon, a graduate in her cap stood in the empty pond, posing for photos.
“There were more than a few graduates this past fall who were unhappy they were not able to get their pictures taken in front of the fountain,” Schlueb said.
He said the university is aiming to restore the pond in time for spring graduation ceremonies, which start May 3.
“It’s important to our students and, really to administrators as well, to make sure this is brought back to its glory,” he said.